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2012 has been a pretty good for the 3DS with some rather exciting games for the system. There have been actually good games released for the system which allowed for a change in attitude from "EVERYTHING IS IN 3D," whilst playing crap games to "this game is actually pretty fun."

Now before everyone posts Kid Icarus Uprising and wanks over it, let us remember the notable titles that got released this year, Virtues's Last Reward, Crashmo, Mutant Mudds, RE: Revelations, the Miracle Mask, Theatrhythm Final Fantasy, MGS3, Tales of the Abyss, NSMB2, Cave Story (again), Rayman Origins and Paper Mario. Hopefully we'll get some diversity in the answers now

For me, the standout game was VLR. It was without doubt the standout game on the 3DS. I've played KI, MGS3, Mutand Mudds, Tales of the Abyss and Revelations but VLR was a phenomenal gaming experience. The twenty-five hours I spent on it were an absolute blast. The story was fantastic and the characters were memorable. And it is very rare when I can say that about a game. The only complaints I had with game were with the bugs with game such as the game just crashing on me and the lack of the english dub in the E version

MGS3D is my runner up since it was my first play-through of MGS3. Crouch-walking through Dremuchij with the slider up to max 3D and headphones plugged in hearing the birds chirp was the most immersive experience I've had in in any game.

But reading all the praise for VLR, I really should buy it. I pretty much forgot most of the story in 999 so I probably should replay that first.

The only 3DS game I played right now was Sticker Star, tomorrow is Christmas, so i'll be getting 7 3DS games from my brother-in-law. He traded his 3DS in because he got a headache, so he said he might give them to me. I would rate them, but for now, i'll say Paper Mario Sticker Star. If I like any of those games, i'll probably change my opinion, but I find Paper Mario Sticker Star, a master piece.

Resident Evil Revelations. I normally cant stand the spin-off res evil titles (Hell, most new res evil games have been pretty shit) But revelations was just a great 3DS experience. The graphics surprised me, the online mode was great, the story was alright (as are all the stories as of late) and I had a blast using Gyro controls on the system.

Oh man, so many great games. My 3DS really earned its money these last twelve months. I don't think it'd quite be right to honour just one, so here in these spoiler marks you can find my top five of the year. Enjoy!

Warning: Spoilers inside!

5 - Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance. A great installment which thankfully managed to tie up a great many loose ends that have been confusing the piss out of me for most of the series. Great graphics, solid story. Not as many worlds as I'd have liked, and the AR seemed mostly tacked on, but certainly a great game. FYI if there's anyone in Coventry who's not played this yet, my local Asda has ONE copy left for a mere £20. Winner takes all. GO!

4 - Theatrhythm Final Fantasy. DUMBEST. NAME. EVER. But it took years of brilliant music and charm and brought it together in one great package. I hope it gets a sequel with a few of the tiny flaws ironed out (distinct lack of plot, footage for older games being in Japanese, etc) but it kept me coming back for months just to jam.

3 - Ace Combat Assault Horizon Legacy. True, it was released in 2011 but I didn't get it for a while due to lack of funds, so it still counts. Yeah, it has no multiplayer. It has one mission plagued by nasty slowdown (the canyon mission always seems to go slow for me, not sure why) and the F14D doesn't have the 'Zipang' Cherry Blossom colour scheme I love so very very much. But it did a damn good job all the same. It retained the best elements of the series while having its own sense of style. That and the 1 VS 100 fight is a very welcome test of my skills.

2 - Kid Icarus Uprising. Yeah, you knew it'd be here. But can you argue? It was the most complete package I've seen in a long time. Please, no penis jokes. The game is absolutely gorgeous, makes incredible use of the 3D, it's a delight to play, the quirky humour is phenomenal (the fourth wall break on the tower level about the loading screens and how they're not meant to mention them? CLASSIC.) and it even had replay value in the form of weapon collection, multiplayer, the difficulty system, and so mcuh more. Anyone who's not played this needs to start. Now. GO, DAMN IT. GO!

1 - Easily my game of the year, Tales Of The Abyss. Took months to track it down, cost a fortune, worth every single penny. Brilliant characters, lengthy story, plenty of side quests, great graphics (my jaw DROPPED when I saw Tataroo Valley at night, Grand Chokmah, so many great places.), the music's such a delight in places (again, Grand Chokmah) that I have the MP3's around here somewhere. I really cared for the characters, and their fight. I thought the development of Luke as the self-centred whiny little bitch-bag he starts as (seriously, he could audition for Twilight) into someone you can genuinely connect to as he tries to redeem himself under so much pressure is a genuinely fascinating ride, and it was handled very well. True, it's a PS2 port and it kinda shows at times, but it is the only game in my collection barring Starfox 64 (arguably my favourite game of all time) that is firmly and immovably on the 'untradable' list. It's not going anywhere. The other games all eventually made their way into my trade-in pile to be put towards other things (money's tight, so I keep my collection to around 5-6 and trade in as needed to get the latest stuff) but Tales Of The Abyss will be with me for a LOOOOOOONG time yet. I'm replaying it now, even after 49 hours on my original file. That's pretty damn good for a portable game.

And there you have it, my top five of the year. And for the record, the reason why games like Virtue's Last Reward and your other faves aren't on this list is A) Because I'm poor, and B)....well, I don't need a B, because the A was so great. Although honourable mention goes to Rayman Origins, Zen Pinball 3D, Colours 3D and Pullblox as close contenders for this list.

The game was way better than i thought it would be and was much better than 999 and kept me interested throughout with no dips in the story or the puzzles, outstanding game that deserves to be 3DS game of the year in my opinion.

Tales of the Abyss was released last year, so I don't really think it counts. It's the game I spent the most time on (really, over, 300 hours and I replayed the game, which I don't usually do),
I'd have to say that Kid Icarus Uprising was great too, but it was kinda short for me, and my internet sucks, so I haven't been able to play online.
I'm currently playing Sticker Star, which is also pretty fun, but I'm not playing it excessively, like I am with the other two games.
KH 3D had fun gameplay, but I got tired of the story. It did last me a good amount of time, though.
I'd say that Tales of the Abyss would be my favourite, but if that doesn't count, then it goes to Kid Icarus by default. I should pick up VLR after playing 999 (even if they aren't directly connected), though.

Tales of the Abyss was released last year, so I don't really think it counts. It's the game I spent the most time on (really, over, 300 hours and I replayed the game, which I don't usually do),
I'd have to say that Kid Icarus Uprising was great too, but it was kinda short for me, and my internet sucks, so I haven't been able to play online.
I'm currently playing Sticker Star, which is also pretty fun, but I'm not playing it excessively, like I am with the other two games.
KH 3D had fun gameplay, but I got tired of the story. It did last me a good amount of time, though.
I'd say that Tales of the Abyss would be my favourite, but if that doesn't count, then it goes to Kid Icarus by default. I should pick up VLR after playing 999 (even if they aren't directly connected), though.